OSCE envoy calls for lifting of state of emergency, and restoration of democratic conditions

TBILISI, 11 November 2007 - The OSCE Chairman-in-Office's Special Envoy, Josep Borrell Fontelles, welcomed the Georgian President's proposal to hold an early presidential election and the resumption of dialogue between the Government and opposition leaders, but he stressed the urgency to lift the state of emergency, remove all media restrictions and ensure all preconditions for due democratic process, during his visit to Georgia on 10 and 11 November.

"The OSCE welcomes those measures taken so far by the Government to defuse tensions, specifically the President's decision to call for an early election, and the resumption of dialogue between the Government and leaders of the opposition, which should continue," said the Special Envoy.

"However, during frank and open discussions, I have relayed the Chairman-in-Office's call to immediately lift the state of emergency, to restore full freedom of the media, especially all broadcast media in Georgia, to respect the freedom of assembly, and to ensure all conditions for free and fair elections," he said.

During his visit, the Special Envoy held talks with Government ministers and also met with the Public Defender and leaders of the opposition.

"I am concerned about reports of excessive use of force and intimidation during events over the last week, including the attacks suffered by the Public Defender himself. I have called on the authorities to hold a full and independent inquiry about those allegations," said Borrell.

With regard to the forthcoming elections, Special Envoy Borrell welcomed the Government's readiness to receive OSCE election observers and reconfirmed that the organization will offer any necessary support to the election process.

'The international community will follow closely the electoral process,' said the Special Envoy. 'It is crucial for the future of Georgia that the process is fully democratic.'